Whitmire's budget passage comes after months of working to implement cuts and consolidations across city departments.

Houston City Council members voted to approve Mayor John Whitmire's $7 billion budget on Wednesday, amid months-long debate over cuts, consolidations and disputed claims that the proposal would completely tackle the city's current historical deficit.

The Houston City Council passed a $7 billion budget on Wednesday following tense moments in the chamber. Protesters interrupted the meeting, demanding more action on flood drainage improvements. Law enforcement eventually closed the chamber to the public for the rest of the day.